Monday, October 15, 2007

QUALIFICATIONS FOR CHURCH LEADERS

Are They Optional?

God sets forth His qualifications for church leadership positions in the following passages: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (KJV) "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop [episkope], he desireth a good work.

{2} A bishop [episkopos] then must [dei] be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

{3} Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

{4} One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

{5} (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

{6} Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

{7}Moreover he must [dei] have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:8-15 (KJV) Likewise must [hosautos] the deacons [diakonos] be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

{9} Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

{10} And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon [diakoneo], being found blameless.

{11} Even so must [hosautos] their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

{12} Let the deacons [diakonos] be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

{13} For they that have used the office of a deacon [diakoneo] well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

{15} But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest [dei] to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." Titus 1:4-9 (KJV) "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

{5} For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders [presbuteros] in every city, as I had appointed thee:

{6} If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

{7} For a bishop [episkopos] must [dei] be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

{8} But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

{9} Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." Leadership Qualifications “Bishop” is from the Greek word episkopos, which means “superintendent or overseer”. “Elder” is from the word presbuteros meaning “one who presides over”. The terms “bishop” and “elder” are used somewhat interchangeably in the New Testament. “Deacon” is from diakonos that has the general meaning of “servant” or “minister”. Since the qualifications for church leaders (bishops, elders, and deacons) as set forth in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 above are very similar, I have prepared a combined summary of qualifications as follows: The leadership candidate must be a man (1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:6; see also 1 Corinthians 14:34-35; 1 Timothy 2:11-13). [Please see the word study of “must” below.]· He must be a born-again believer in Jesus Christ – i.e., “blameless” (1 Timothy 3:2,10; Titus 1:6). [Please see the word study of “blameless” below.]· He must have “great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 3:13).· He must be “the husband of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:2,12; Titus 1:6) – i.e., he must be currently married to his first wife (or another only if the first has died); he cannot be divorced and remarried (see also Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Corinthians 7:10,39; Romans 7:2-3); he cannot be an unmarried widower. · His wife must be “grave” (i.e., reverent, honorable) and “faithful in all things” (1 Timothy 3:11; see also 2 Corinthians 6:14). · He must “rule well his own house” (1 Timothy 3:4,5,12; Titus 1:6) -- i.e., he must exercise his authority over his wife and children in a godly manner. and he cannot be divorced at all (see also Matthew 19:6; Mark 10:9).· He must have children and raise them “in subjection with all gravity” (1 Timothy 3:4,5,12) and his children shall be faithful and not be unruly (Titus 1:6). · He must be motivated by a God-given desire, or calling, for the position (1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:7,9).· He must be a mature Christian whose light shines in the world (1 Timothy 3: 6-7; Titus 1:9).· He must have high moral character and good interpersonal skills (1 Timothy 3:2-3,7-8; Titus 1:7-9).· He must be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) · He must “hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience” (1 Timothy 3:9) and hold “fast the faithful word as he hath been taught” (Titus 1:9).· He must be firmly grounded in the Bible and have the ability to teach it (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9). Must The word “must” in the KJV means “must” in modern English. That is, these qualifications are mandated by God and are required for leadership. God uses the Greek word dei ,meaning “it is necessary”, four times in the passages under consideration (i.e., 1 Tim 3:2,7,15 and Tit 1:7) to emphasize the fact that the criteria listed for church leaders are compulsory and obligatory – not optional. Three times dei is translated as “must” and once as “oughtest” (1 Tim3:15) in the KJV. Another Greek word implying the absolute “must” of God’s mandate is hosautos , which is translated as “likewise must ” in 1 Timothy 3:8 and “even so must ” in 1 Timothy3:11, where must (shown in italics) was added by the translators. God uses the word dei 106 times in the NT to indicate His purpose for whatever is in view. Here is a sampling of 16 verses to show the essential nature of that which God says “must” be accomplished: Luke 9:22 "Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day." Luke 24:7 "Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." John 3:7 "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." John 3:14 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:" John 4:24 "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 10:16 "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." 3 Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 9:16 "For I will show him [Paul] how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." Acts 27:24 "Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee." 1 Corinthians 15:53 "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." Titus 1:11 "Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake." Hebrews 9:26 "For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Revelation 1:1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:" Revelation 20:3 "And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." Revelation 22:6 "And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly bedone." We can plainly see by God’s use of the word dei that there is nothing optional about the activities in the foregoing sample verses. They are all essential elements of God’s salvation plan – as is the spiritual health of His church. I encourage the reader to conduct his own analysis and draw his own conclusions about God’s use of that little, but very significant, Greek word. (Please see Appendix A for a complete list of the verses containing the word dei.) We can also conclude from the compulsory nature of the word dei that the church leadership qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are obligatory – that is, they are “musts” that are commanded by God. Since they do not comprise a “wish list” of qualifications as in a “Positions Available” want-ad for secular employment, it is not sufficient that a candidate score well on most of them. God clearly states that all of the criteria must apply to all men who are ordained as official office bearers in a church. It is true that some of the qualifications are subjective and require godly wisdom and discernment during the evaluation process. However, there are other qualifications, such as being married with children, that cannot be disputed. Based on the foregoing list of qualifications, we can see that church leadership is not for everyone. Just as women are excluded from consideration, each item on the list eliminates an additional category of men from consideration. In fact, very few men can satisfy all of God’s qualifications for leadership in His church. Congregations that hold faithfully to the requirements of 1 Timothy 3 and 4 Titus 1 – that is, those that do not succumb to what is expedient – demonstrate their obedience to the Word of God and their concern for the spiritual health of the body of Christ. Blameless Now, what does God mean when He says that church leaders must be blameless? The KJV uses the word “blameless” four times in the following passages related to the qualifications of bishops, elders, and deacons: 1 Timothy 3:2 "A bishop then must be blameless [anepileptos:G423], the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;" 1 Timothy 3:10 "And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless [anegkletos:G410]." Titus 1:5-7 "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: {6} If any be blameless [anegkletos:G410], the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. {7} For a bishop must be blameless [anegkletos:G410] as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;" We see from these verses that both bishops and elders must be “blameless” as defined by two synonymous words: anepileptos in 1 Tim 3:2 and anegkletos in Tit 1:7. Only the latter is applied to deacons in 1 Tim 3:10. · anepileptos that cannot be reprehended, not open to censure, irreproachable, blameless; (means irreprehensible, designating one who affords nothing upon which an adversary might seize, in order to make a charge against him). reproach – to rebuke; to censure rebuke – to criticize or reprove sharply; to reprimand reprehend – to reprove; to censure Other occurrences of anepileptos are as follows: 1 Timothy 5:5-7 "Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. {6} But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. {7} And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless ." 1 Timothy 6:12-14 "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. {13} I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; {14} That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable , until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:" · anegkletos that cannot be called into account, unreproveable, unaccused, blameless; (designates one against whom there is no accusation, implying not acquittal of a charge, but that no charge has been made). reprove – to rebuke for a fault or misdeed; to scold Other occurrences of anegkletos are as follows: 5 1 Corinthians 1:6-8 "Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: {7} So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: {8} Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." Colossians 1:21-23 "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled {22} In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: {23} If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" We can conclude from this analysis that only those who are irreprehensible, irreproachable, unrebukeable, and unreproveable are “blameless” and, as such, meet one of the qualifications for church leadership. Obviously, no one can fulfill this requirement in his natural state. Apparently, being “blameless” fits into the same category as being “perfect” (i.e., complete) and “righteous” (i.e., just) in God’s eyes – that is, saved and justified. Therefore, a “blameless” man is one who is a born-from-above child of God and is clothed with the robe of Christ’s righteousness (Isa 61:10): Matthew 5:48 "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." John 17:23-24 "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. {24} Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." Matthew 13:43 "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 25:46 "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal." Luke 1:5-6 "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. {6}And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." The qualification of “blamelessness” is the most important one on the list – and the most difficult to assess. Since only God knows the spiritual condition of a person’s soul, the determination of whether a candidate is a true believer (i.e., saved) must be made very carefully and prayerfully. It cannot be based on a person’s ”testimony”, or his “profession of faith”, or his “desire” for the office. Jesus said the following about this: Matthew 7:15-23 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. {16} Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? {17} Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. {18} A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. {19} Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. {20} Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. {21} Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. {22} Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? {23} And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." The fruit of the Holy Spirit must be evident in the candidate’s life, as we read below: 6 Galatians 5:19-25 "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, {20} Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, {21} Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. {22} But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, {23} Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. {24} And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. {25} If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Those making the determination of a candidate’s salvation have a great responsibility, and they must exercise it with much God-given wisdom and discernment to avoid selecting an unsaved man for a leadership office. Obedience This whole issue of compliance with God’s leadership qualifications boils down to one of obedience to the will of God as given in His Word, the Bible. Our greatest desire as believers should be that of obedience to the will of God – to the best of our ability – in everything we do. Jesus said: John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments." God repeats that admonition in the following passage: 1 John 2:3-5 "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. {4} He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. {5}But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." We all know what happened to Adam and Eve when Satan cast doubt on God’s Word in the garden of Eden: Genesis 3:4-5 "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: {5} For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." We also know what happened to King Saul when he decided to disregard God’s Word and take matters into his own hands in 1 Samuel 15: 1 Samuel 15:22-23 "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. {23} For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king." Since our Lord Jesus Christ had to “learn obedience” during His life on earth, it seems only reasonable and proper that we must strive to do the same: Hebrews 5:8-9 "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;{9} And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" Conclusion 7 We have examined God’s qualifications for church leaders in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 and have learned that they are obligatory – not optional – by studying God’s use of the Greek word dei that is usually translated as “must” and “ought” in the KJV Consequently, the task of ordaining church leaders is a very important and serious matter if a congregation is to be in compliance with God’s Word and to have His blessing on their efforts. Believers must ask God for much discernment and guidance when evaluating the qualifications of each candidate for church leadership.In closing, let us consider the following passages: 2 Timothy 4:1-4 "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; {2} Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. {3} For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; {4} And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 1 Peter 5:1-7 "The elders [presbuteros:G4245] which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder [sumpresbuteros:G4850], and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

{2} Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [episkopeo:G1983] thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

{3} Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

{4} And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

{5} Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

{6} Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

{7} Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. {2} Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." Acts 5:29 "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought [dei:G1163] to obey God rather than men." May God give us all much wisdom with this important matter of selecting church leaders.

APPENDIX A – ALL VERSES CONTAINING THE GREEK WORD dei

Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must <1163> go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Matthew 17:10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must <1163> first come?

Matthew 18:33Shouldest <1163> not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye <1163> to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must <1163> come to pass, but the end is not yet.

Matthew 25:27 Thou oughtest <1163> therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

Matthew 26:35 Peter said unto him, Though I should <1163> die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Matthew 26:54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must <1163> be?

Mark 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must <1163> suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Mark 9:11 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must <1163> first come?

Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must <1163> needs be; but the end shall not be yet.

Mark 13:10 And the gospel must <1163> first be published among all nations.

Mark 13:14But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought <1163> not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Mark 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should <1163> die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

Luke 2:49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must <1163> be about my Father's business?

Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must <1163> preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Luke 9:22Saying, The Son of man must <1163> suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye <1163> to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Luke 12:12For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought <1163> to say.

Luke 13:14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought <1163> to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

Luke 13:16And ought <1163> not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

Luke 13:33Nevertheless I must <1163> walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

Luke 15:32 It was meet <1163> that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Luke 17:25But first must <1163> he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought <1163> always to pray, and not to faint;

Luke 19:5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must <1163> abide at thy house.

Luke 21:9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must <1163> first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.

Luke 22:7Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must <1163> be killed.

Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must <1163> yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

Luke 24:7Saying, The Son of man must <1163> be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Luke 24:26Ought <1163> not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

Luke 24:44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must <1163> be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Luke 24:46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved <1163> Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must <1163> be born again.

John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must <1163> the Son of man be lifted up:

John 3:30He must <1163> increase, but I must decrease.

John 4:4 And he must needs <1163> go through Samaria.

John 4:20Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought <1163> to worship.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must <1163> worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 9:4I must <1163> work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 10:16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must <1163> bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

John 12:34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must <1163> be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

John 20:9For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must <1163> rise again from the dead.

Acts 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must <1163> needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

Acts 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must <1163> one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Acts 3:21Whom the heaven must <1163> receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must <1163> be saved.

Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought <1163> to obey God rather than men.

Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must <1163> do.

Acts 9:16For I will shew him how great things he must <1163> suffer for my name's sake.

Acts 10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest <1163> to do.

Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must <1163> through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Acts 15:5But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful <1163> to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

Acts 16:30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must <1163> I do to be saved?

Acts 17:3Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs <1163> have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

Acts 18:21But bade them farewell, saying, I must <1163> by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

Acts 19:21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must <1163> also see Rome.

Acts 19:36Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought <1163> to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought <1163> to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must <1163> needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

Acts 23:11And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must <1163> thou bear witness also at Rome.

Acts 24:19 Who ought <1163> to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

Acts 25:10Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought <1163> to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

Acts 25:24And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought <1163> not to live any longer.

Acts 26:9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought <1163> to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Acts 27:21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should <1163> have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

Acts 27:24Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must <1163> be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Acts 27:26Howbeit we must <1163> be cast upon a certain island.

Romans 1:27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet <1163>.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought <1163>: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought <1163> to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

1 Corinthians 8:2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought <1163> to know.

1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must <1163> be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

1 Corinthians 15:25For he must <1163> reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

1 Corinthians 15:53For this corruptible must <1163> put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

2 Corinthians 2:3And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought <1163> to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

2 Corinthians 5:10For we must <1163> all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2 Corinthians 11:30If I must needs <1163> glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

Ephesians 6:20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought <1163> to speak.

Colossians 4:4That I may make it manifest, as I ought <1163> to speak.

Colossians 4:6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought <1163> to answer every man.

1 Thessalonians 4:1Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought <1163> to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

2 Thessalonians 3:7For yourselves know how ye ought <1163> to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

1 Timothy 3:2A bishop then must <1163> be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

1 Timothy 3:7Moreover he must <1163> have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 3:15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest <1163> to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

1 Timothy 5:13And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought <1163> not.

2 Timothy 2:6The husbandman that laboureth must be <1163> first partaker of the fruits.

2 Timothy 2:24And the servant of the Lord must <1163> not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

Titus 1:7For a bishop must <1163> be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

Hebrews 2:1Therefore we ought <1163> to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

Hebrews 9:26For then must <1163> he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must <1163> believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

1 Peter 1:6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need <1163> be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

2 Peter 3:11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought <1163> ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Revelation 1:1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must <1163> shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must <1163> be hereafter.

Revelation 10:11And he said unto me, Thou must <1163> prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Revelation 11:5And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must <1163> in this manner be killed.

Revelation 13:10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must <1163> be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Revelation 17:10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must <1163> continue a short space.

Revelation 20:3And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must <1163> be loosed a little season.

Revelation 22:6And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must <1163> shortly be done.

About Me

Elected by my Heavenly Father before the foundation of the world to eternal life with himself, not through any forseen free will faith but only by God's mercy. Jesus Christ the only begotten of the Father then redeemed me through his precious blood shed on the cross and the Holy Spirit made me alive in Christ, it was only then that i willfully ran to the mercy of God through his son Jesus Christ.
Therefore i am but a piece of clay whom the Father had mercy on - and the father now works in me to will and do of his good pleasure - all for the glory of himself and his dear son Jesus.
Heavenly Father has graciously given me a desire for truth - and my aim is to share this truth that the Lord Jesus has revealed to me to whoever he wills.
for many are called but few are chosen.